During its lifetime the 2/31st Australian Infantry Battalion took on the strength of 151 officers and 2509 men. Of this total, about one in three members of the battalion became casualties for one reason or another. This is one of the highest casualty rates in the AIF.

This reprint of 'Forever Forward' tells of the wartime experiences of the 2/31st in in their Middle East campaigns, on the Kokoda Track, the siege of Gona, Ramu Valley, Shaggy Ridge and the final battles at Balikpapan.

Well written, and with numerous photographs included, as well as a nominal roll and index, this book is dedicated to the men of the battalion who fought, but never returned.

Contents:Author's Appreciation and AcknowledgementsAbbreviationsIntorudctionChapter 1. The 2/31st Battalion SoldierChapter 2. Birth of the BattalionChapter 3. Hard Action in the Syrian HillsChapter 4. The Agony of the Own StanleysChapter 5. Back Home - and the Lae CampaignChapter 6. The 'Campaign' in QueenslandChapter 7. Borneo Campaign - Hit and ProbeChapter 8. Finishing Off in BorneoChapter 9. The battalion's Honours and AwardsChapter 10. Roll of HonourChapter 11. The 2/31st Battalion's PoetsChapter 12. Nominal RollIndex